Contacting Congress

When contacting members of Congress, it is important to contact the Senators for your state and the Citizen's Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials: Citizen Advocacy in State Legislatures and Congress: A Guide for Citizen Lobbyists and Grassroots Advocates, by Brad FitchRepresentative in the House who represents your congressional district. You can get their office phone numbers and mailing addresses here:

List of Senators (sort by state) | Find your Representatives by your Zip Code

Couriers are delivering to the Hill, but are expensive. Mail sent to a district office will eventually get through, but it is slow. Phone calls are best if you are pressed for time. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

One thing that has not changed regardless of how you contact your representatives: all members’ primary concern is for their own constituents. So, regardless of how you contact your Senators or your Representative, be sure to include your name and address showing that you are one of their constituents.

If you do send a letter, the more effort that you put into the letter, for example, neatly handwriting it, the more impact it will have. Shorter, succinct letters focusing on one point have more impact than longer rambling letters.

Follow up with a phone call or visit. House of Representatives: 202-225-3121 Senate: 202-224-3121

For more tips, see How To Contact Congress






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